In with the Old and New

Release Date: Thursday, December 22nd 2011

Get this: the 1,175 room Washington, DC Marriott Marquis now under construction across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place), will house a long-gone venue basically not seen since 1999—a Hot Shoppe! Some may recall that the cafeteria-style restaurant started in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott originated at 14th Street and Park Road in Columbia Heights. Although the hotel won’t be completed until 2014, there’s plenty of time to lose weight before indulging in a Mighty Mo, the classic Hot Shoppe burger that will make you gain it all back again! 

Meanwhile, several blocks away, Lima Restaurant, Bar & Lounge (1401 K Street) will reportedly switch from Latin-infused cuisine to an Asian-inspired Latin American restaurant, Fujimori, come early February. Unchanged: Lima Lounge, the downstairs nightclub.

Also, look out for Townhouse Restaurant & Wine Bar (700 6th Street) this spring.

700 6th Street

The contemporary urban eatery has signed a 10-year lease for 6,710 square feet in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum building developed by Akridge (601 13th Street) in 2009 and sold to USAA Real Estate Company this year. A Restaurants-America creation, Townhouse will offer small plates, sandwiches, salads and entrees and serve lunch and dinner daily. Private event space will also be available. Restaurants-America operates three Townhouse restaurants in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas.